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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by The Nookster (talk | contribs) at 07:51, 5 June 2024 (→Chemo successful!: Reply). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

The current date and time is 12 November 2024 T 14:17 UTC.

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I don't use irc often, but my account name on Libera is DougWeller.

Best wishes

2022 and 2023

Archive 62

Archive 63

Archive 64

Archive 65

Chemo successful!

Looks like I'll be around for quite some time still. Chemo held the cancer back and my Oncologist is very pleased. He says I look very well and that the cancers are still very small. So I'll have some time off and then back on chemo. Blood tests every 2 months to check. His guess was that my prognosis is the same as last year, another 18 months is quite possible. Who knows, if things go well, maybe more. In any case I'll see 82, Christmas, and the inauguration of the next American president - two pleasant things at least! Doug Weller talk 16:43, 7 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]

@Sirfurboy You remembered! Nah, we still have a lot. Doug Weller talk 17:44, 7 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
@Sweetpool50: Ha. Three things I'll see, only 2 pleasant. I shudder to think of what could happen with the presidency. Doug Weller talk 17:43, 7 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
So good to hear! Make the best of life. -- Valjean (talk) (PING me) 06:58, 8 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
  • That's the only news that has brought a glow to my heart today. Forget about setting your sights on catching the outcome of the McDonald vs Bidet rope-the-dope battle on Nov 4, 24, far too shortsighted. Think of the long term, and do us all a favour by hanging in here at least till Nov.4 2028. Best Nishidani (talk) 08:00, 8 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Wonderful! Dronebogus (talk) 16:56, 8 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Congratulations!! Fionaussie (talk) 01:35, 9 March 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Awwww Doug, just read this about you and want you to know that it is very moving and I wish you all the best. There is a touching poem called Chemotherapy by Julia Darling that you might find a comfort to read, if you don't know it already. Take care x It is nice you have entranced into my life :-) The Nookster (talk) 07:51, 5 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]

Cancer update - being offered palliative care (chemo), incurable

I'll see an oncologist in a couple of weeks to discuss chemo and to ask about my prognosis. Exercising as much as I can but mainly on my treadmill, 3 times a day for a mile so each time, only about 2mph. Calf muscles are the main problem, doing exercises prescribed by a physiotherapist. But not walking outside as the painful calf and thigh muscles don't go away and as I've twice had to stop and call for a pickup, safer to stay inside, especially with my Parkinson's. I'll soldier on! Doug Weller talk 16:05, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]

  • Sorry to hear that. Feel really bad that you are in this situation. Thinking of you. Andre de Guerin, aka "Conundrum" — Preceding unsigned comment added by 78.111.195.1 (talk) 08:22, 22 November 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Well, that sucks. I'm sorry to hear that. --Yamla (talk) 16:09, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Keep soldiering on, and know that lots of us here are rooting for you! --Tryptofish (talk) 17:02, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Very sorry to hear this - all best wishes. Johnbod (talk) 17:10, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Oh Doug. I dont have the words. Roxy the dog 17:11, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • God bless Doug, hope you know how many people are blessed to at least call you an internet friend, and Im sure many more offline. nableezy - 17:19, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Doug, my best wishes in this journey. I'm not good at dealing with this shit. How I can identify with "the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak." We older dudes feel the pull of destiny, and it ain't pretty. Just make life comfortable. Don't overdo anything, even the exercise (and I'm a PT). Moderation in all things. You don't have to drink the whole bottle of OZV Zinfandel in one sitting, but do enjoy the finer things in life. Good wine, truffles, chocolate, books, movies, whatever. Now is the time to aim for quality, not quantity/longevity. Hang in there brother. Feel free to email me.
    When dealing with my own cancer ordeal, I often resorted to gallows humor. The staff in ICU and ER were especially understanding. I'd say: "I'm going to get "CC & DNR" tattooed on my chest." -- Valjean (talk) (PING me) 17:48, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • You will defeat this, Doug. Keeping you in my thoughts. GoodDay (talk) 17:51, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • And from another PT, now long retired; bless you Doug, and Valjean is right. Enjoy what life brings. Haploidavey (talk) 17:56, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Stay strong and hang in there, man. Sending you all the good vibes I can muster (hey, WP:FRINGE or not, it can't hurt, lol). Heiro 17:59, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Thanks for sharing this, Doug. Sorry to hear that. You're in my thoughts. ButlerBlog (talk) 18:13, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Sorry DW. Hoping for the best possible news at your next oncologist visit. Firefangledfeathers (talk / contribs) 18:17, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • I think it is most important at some point to just enjoy the moment as much as you can and to enjoy life in general as it goes on, without trying to determine how long it will go on for, since that determination is really out of our hands, no? In other words, the life we live, I believe, has to be good and enjoyable for a long as it goes on. That is the most important, in my view. Hoping this may help a bit somehow, I wish you also much strength and courage in the jouney ahead. warshy (¥¥) 18:33, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • What Tryp said. I was down in your ^former neck of the woods just recently for the first time as an adult. Got to see a wild alligator for the first time, along with some other fauna. Miami-Dade is one of the best places in the country for birds - I imagine you can see quite a lot out your window, compared to here in NY? At least here there's a zoo across the street. The only animal it has is a dog, though. It's a pretty shih-tzu. — Rhododendrites talk \\ 19:11, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    Thanks. But I live in Derbyshire now, having gone to England in 1970 and not returning (except of course for vacations, family visits, etc. When I was a young boy there was a sub-tropical jungle behind the houses across the road, complete with possums, snakes, banyan trees, and of course alligators down by the Miami river. Played there a lot with a boy named John Christmas (whose mother was named Mary). Doug Weller talk 08:32, 27 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    Was John any relation to Randy Christmas (probably too young to be John's father)? I remember that Randy Christmas had a daughter named Merrie. Donald Albury 15:56, 27 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    I don't think so - I've done a search and there's no indication that he was. Doug Weller talk 16:48, 27 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    Ah, sorry, I think I knew that but was thrown off by a userbox. Fewer gators in Derbyshire, I reckon. The banyan trees were incredible. The first one I saw was in Palm Beach, where they are ubiquitous and strangler figs make for ripe metaphor. :) As for Christmas, I know it was pretty uncommon then for women to keep their name when getting married, but Mary Christmas?? Hard no. Lots of names you can't have with that surname: Mary, Wyatt, Eve, Nicholas/Claus, Carol... There's a name I hear on Fox News every December, over and over. Must be a seasonal anchor or something: Theresa Warren-Christmas. — Rhododendrites talk \\ 21:14, 27 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Doug, I've so appreciated you sharing this part of your life with us. You've been in my thoughts and I'm sad to hear you're talking about palliative care. Whatever decisions you make in the days and weeks ahead, I know they will be ones that have been deeply thought through and which will reflect the way you've lived your life. I'm just glad that we continue to have your presence here onwiki. Best, Barkeep49 (talk) 19:22, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    Barkeep49 has put it very well. Moneytrees below is also absolutely correct - amongst the very best of us. Girth Summit (blether) 11:52, 28 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers Doug. I appreciate the gift of sharing that yiou are giving each one of us. MarnetteD|Talk 19:28, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Hi Doug Weller! Not much one can say in these situations that hasn't already been said and that hasn't already occurred to you (several Big Bad Words spring readily to mind...). Hopefully it'll be kinda nice to reflect on how many people are thinking of you and that in some way you've made a difference to all the people who know you personally, as well as to the Wikipedia project and to the rest of us who are used to seeing your edits while we're sorta amiably faffing around this neck of the woods. Big Virtual Hug, --Technopat (talk) 19:45, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • I cannot think of any better way to express my support than to second what Barkeep49 said. Whether your philosophy on cancer is to fight it, treat it like a chronic degenerative condition, or just embrace not-give-a-fuckism, please know that I and all the others commenting here support you and wish for the best possible outcomes. EvergreenFir (talk) 20:15, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Doug, thank you for all the work that you have done for Wikipedia. Thank you for being willing to make tough decisions. Thank you for keeping us informed about your illness. Thanks for being you. Cullen328 (talk) 20:23, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • I can't find the words to express how the wonderful support from you all and others now and in the past has meant to me. It will help me sleep well tonight. Ironically the thought of cancer itself rarely affects my sleep, it's only the effect on others and right now wondering how I will be able to die with dignity - at a time I choose and where I choose that costs me sleep at times. In the UK you aren't allowed to die with dignity. So if I can't die at home with my wife I'm thinking that when the time comes - and I am going to try to make that a few years from now - I may be able to take one last holiday with my wife somewhere that I can die with dignity. Doug Weller talk 21:25, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Doug, I'm always glad to see your signature on a talk page or to find your name in a contribution history, however old, and that will carry on as long as I'm editing. Now you're giving us even more reasons to be grateful. I hope you take every holiday you want! Thank you. NebY (talk) 22:50, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • My best wishes. Keep up the good fight. Donald Albury 21:55, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Doug, I'm sorry to read this news. I hope you are able to have your wishes. I was always taught to get it in writing and to get a second opinion. I've also heard a lot of interesting things about the new treatments nowadays like CAR-T cells and immunotherapy, IANAD, but it's a shame and saddening to read this even without a lot of details. Anyway, we don't know each other well but I just wanted to say it's always been a pleasure to interact with you on here and I wish you the best, and will fondly remember your work on Wikipedia. Andre🚐 23:29, 26 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Doug, I'm so sorry to hear about this. I'm hoping for the best, and I'm keeping you in my prayers. — Red-tailed hawk (nest) 01:03, 4 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Doug, I'm also very sorry to hear this! Springee (talk) 16:08, 4 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]
I don't know ya, but I'm very sorry to hear of this. If you do die, tell Stan Lee we miss him, aight? I like Astatine (Talk to me) 21:06, 14 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]
I'm jealous of all the messages wishing you well. I hope one day I have such a big network of well-meaning people! My best wishes, Thinker78 (talk) 04:47, 25 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]
So sorry to hear of this Doug. You were one of the first admins to help me out and guide me when I started taking an interest in contributing. In fact you might have been the first admin that I would refer others to if we disagreed or I was unsure what to do. I wish you all the best and keep fighting! GiggsIsLegend (talk) 16:40, 24 July 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Hey there Doug, I just wanted to say I hope you have a good weekend - you helped me a lot this week, thank you again ^_^ Dyxtan (talk) 22:25, 29 September 2023 (UTC)[reply]
@Dyxtan no problem, always glad to be of assistance when I can. Doug Weller talk 06:30, 30 September 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Doug, please research and pick up a copy of the Book, titled "The China Study" I'm sure it'll help you learn more and get a better understanding about our relationship to food and diseases we suffer from. 174.81.53.148 (talk) 15:41, 11 January 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Thanks, but sadly too late. Just got back from chemo, 2 more sessions and I'll find out if it helped. Doug Weller talk 15:50, 11 January 2024 (UTC)[reply]
January songs
  • The day you get an entry added to the "List of deceased Wikipedians" will be one of the saddest days this website will have seen in a long time. I hope whatever time you have left is free of pain, and that you are able to die with the dignity that you deserve. Thanks for everything you've contributed to Wikipedia over the years. Hemiauchenia (talk) 19:40, 27 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
This is really all I wanted to say to Doug too, but it is expressed by you here in much better form and style. Thank you! warshy (¥¥) 20:18, 27 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Doug, I see that you have about 70 subpages in your userspace, including a number of drafts in various stages. Is there anything in particular you'd like help getting finished and moved to mainspace? BD2412 T 22:55, 27 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Hi Doug. Like everyone else, I am very sorry to hear that. Wikipedia will be a poorer place when you have to go. Dudley Miles (talk) 23:23, 27 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Doug, you're one of the editors I most respect, and seeing how your handling this makes my respect even greater. As has been said above, I hope you enjoy your life without pain and go on your own terms with dignity. ScottishFinnishRadish (talk) 01:01, 28 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Doug, devastating to read this, and I don't know what to say that hasn't already been said so well by other above. I've always found you to be a rock here on Wikipedia, and your tireless and immensely helpful efforts are very much appreciated. Jeppiz (talk) 01:35, 28 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Doug, I wish you the best, and hope that you will experience as little pain as possible. starship.paint (exalt) 08:06, 28 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Doug, I will never forget all the times you gave me support and advices in my previous iteration. Thank you for this and for making WP a better place. I can only wish you all the best. K. Lone-078 (talk) 09:41, 28 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Run through a comprehensive list of expletives, dear Doug, and that will sum up my feelings on seeing this bitter news. I am deeply moved by your references to your wife. As many of us will know from experience, it is what we manage to say to each other, brightly under strain, in reviewing a shared past, that tasks our minds in such terrible situations. I am assured that in planning for what future remains (the months and years will be, ineludibly, seamed with an elegiac tone of finality), you will work to ensure that your spouse will have many more memories to add to those of your rich life together as you also find time, with your characteristic donative generosity, to patch with further quilts of tender recall the hard ledges of survival for the other victim here who will, prospectively, grasp for them if or when they find themselves forced to endure the icy rockface of widowhood.
Before posting this, I took a Persian nap (Herodotus), worried it might sound intolerably pompous, intrusive and rhetorical, rather than spontaneous. Two dreams, in one of which you figure as a lone archaeologist probing a dark desert for spoors of a lost past, and the other where you emerge as a Virgilian cicerone as I stumbled along native bushland. On waking, I thought ‘what the fuck’. Hang in there, whatever. As others have noted, remarkable things can crop up in science. There’s always hope.Nishidani (talk) 17:31, 28 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
I'm not sure what a Persian nap is, but one thing I really want to give to Wikipedia is a new article (I have written only a handful at most) and have started a draft at User:Doug Weller/Racism in pseudoarchaeology. I'm getting tremendous help from some knowledgeable folks at the Facebook group Fraudulent Archaeology Wall of Shame. I've been putting this off for a long time but all the wonderful people above have made me feel I must get it done. Doug Weller talk 17:48, 28 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Herodotus 1:133. I can't give you a Perseus link because my main computer crashed weeks ago, and accessing anything from this minor one, antiquated but minimally functional, is nigh impossible. I'll bookmark that project and recommend to others here that they also do so and help where possible.Nishidani (talk) 18:01, 28 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Writing new articles is the most fun part of this project (and one that I don't spend enough time doing). This isn't in my area of subject-matter expertise, but let me be the first to volunteer if you want a second pair of eyes for copyediting, formatting and the like - just let me know. Girth Summit (blether) 18:27, 28 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • So sorry to hear this. Best wishes, and keeping you in my thoughts. Thanks for all you have done and continue to do. DanCherek (talk) 20:56, 28 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • I'm sorry Doug. Cancer sucks. ❤️ Sro23 (talk) 21:18, 28 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Doug, what a terrible thing to hear. I'm so sorry. It's said that a man never truly dies until his name is forgotten; yours will live on here in the memory of everyone on this project. With love, ♠PMC♠ (talk) 23:29, 28 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Doug, I send you my best wishes, confident that you will find the strength, courage and capacity for clear thinking that you will surely need to deal with this, just as you already have in your invaluable contributions here. Best regards, Justlettersandnumbers (talk) 23:45, 28 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Nothing I could say feels adequate. But you will be greatly missed, and I hope you are able to find some measure of happiness in the time you have left. And if there's anything Wikipedia-related that I can help with, don't hesitate to ask. A. Parrot (talk) 18:45, 29 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • I've only just heard this news, Doug, and I am deeply sorry. 'Keep buggering on', as Churchill used to say when things were bad. Cheers - SchroCat (talk) 19:43, 29 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Jeez! All any of us can do is praise the work you've done here and (I suspect) elsewhere; and let you know how much it's been appreciated. --Orange Mike | Talk 19:49, 29 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • You will be in my thoughts and prayers, Doug. I remember that you were one of the first administrators I ever encountered. Scorpions13256 (talk) 22:10, 29 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Only just heard of this. A terrible situation but I know you'll face it with strength. Please take some strength from the rest of us. Reach out to the community if you need anything even if it's just moral support. Canterbury Tail talk 12:19, 30 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Doug, I felt the need the last few days to jump on here and get an update from you but the weather had not allowed for this. It has not diminished my thoughts towards you and as I was able to get on I came here to see this. My heart is heavy with the fact you are still suffering so much through pain in your body but I am inspired by your journey at the same time. Your courage, your strength, your tenacity are all indescribable. Your Song is such a beautiful melody and I believe there are lyrics yet to be written that will have such a lasting legacy and be inspirational to so many. That may be a Wikipedia article or perhaps your wisdom passed on to listening ears desiring to grasp on to the depth of knowledge you have accumulated throughout your life. One thing is certain. You have made a lasting impact and you continue to do so with every breath taken. My hope, my morning songs are for many more days of impact here with us. You are incredible as an editor and an amazing human being. You are an integral part of my daily thoughts. I am beyond honored to know you in even this limited capacity. I count it such a blessing to have even the smallest interaction with you. May my words be an encouragement to you like so many others mentioned here and may you find strength to continue "soldiering on" as you put it. I call it the Color Green, surviving, yes, but finding a way to thrive despite the circumstances. Take that and let it feed life into your Song. May the Color Green fill and flood you, my friend. --ARoseWolf 15:53, 30 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Doug, I have some experience of what you are going through. I have no words, except to say you are in my thoughts and I do hope things go better for you. As ever, David, David J Johnson (talk) 20:32, 30 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Love, peace, and comfort to you, Doug. - CorbieVreccan ☊ ☼ 20:53, 30 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Sorry to hear this Doug. Best luck anyway, things could be uncurable but still stay for very long. Just do whatever you find comfortable.--Ymblanter (talk) 11:49, 31 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Just saw this, and wanted to add my name to those who will be thinking of you, and hoping for the best. You're most definitely one of the best admins here, and I appreciate your keeping your hand in as much as possible. Beyond My Ken (talk) 14:04, 31 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Doug, I'm sorry to hear this. Stay strong, and I hope things go better for you. Tails Wx 21:31, 1 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • I'm so sorry to hear this, Doug. Sending my thoughts and best wishes as ever. ser! (chat to me - see my edits) 04:21, 3 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • So sorry to hear this news, Doug. I have no words, but wishing you peace and comfort, and know that you will be in my thoughts. Sirfurboy🏄 (talk) 16:25, 4 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Hi, I realize we've interacted under questionable circumstances, since I don't quite fit in to the culture here. But, you seem alright, and I wish you the best of luck that your circumstance permits (whether that's more years of life, or a painless, dignified end, whatever the fates decree). I should know what it's like to deal with a rare, deadly medical condition -- at least in my case, I've got a cocktail of meds to commute my would-be death sentence. Godspeed! Xcalibur (talk) 04:55, 10 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    Thanks. May as much as 1 or 2 years if I am very lucky. Doug Weller talk 12:20, 11 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    Very sad to hear all these! Am only praying to God for some sort of miracle! Take care. Ekdalian (talk) 07:34, 15 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Hang in there, Doug, and more than ever, do what gives you pleasure. I hope some part of that includes your contributions here–pretty sure it is–but take care of number one, regardless. I have benefited enormously from your thoughts and interventions in the past, and selfishly, I hope to do so still, for as long as is feasible. We all have a limited time left, we just don't feel it quite as keenly. Times like this make me think about it, though. You're much in my thoughts. Mathglot (talk) 02:07, 16 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • I admire your bravery in your battle against this horrific disease, Mr. Weller. Dronebogus (talk) 06:57, 16 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]
    Mathglot, although I feel that agreeing is often a bit boring: I want to agree with you that we all have limited time left (if you can accept that, you are close to wisdom), and that I, too, have benefitted enormously from Doug's thoughts, interventions and example. Doug, in Cuba people often encourage each other saying "Ánimo !", meaning "Courage !". Rsk6400 (talk) 08:51, 16 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Dear Doug: I am saddened, of course, to hear the news that the cancer has proved incurable. I was hoping you would beat it, but illnesses are not privy to the hopes and wishes of humans from either near or afar. To carry on with equanimity and honesty in the face of life's exigencies is all we can hope for. That you seem to be doing not just with those qualities, but also creatively. All too often an off-handed mention of "real life," and usually just "RL," constitutes the sum total of our humanity we allow others to peek into on Wikipedia. All too often editors whose edits have given us a convincing, even inspiring, picture of the living breathing and feeling individuals they are, disappear anonymously from our presence. So, you have already bucked the trend. As an all too mortal human myself, I will look forward to reading whatever aspects of your journey you choose to share with us. As you must know, I have looked forward to your timely interventions on various archaeology or history-related pages on Wikipedia. You may not know that I have silently noted the pithy, no frills, language that has accompanied your interventions. For both, I offer my thanks and my admiration. Fowler&fowler«Talk» 15:54, 16 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Hello Doug, I am very sorry to hear this news. You have done much for this community and site, for which numerous people have shown how important you are to them. I hope that you and your family are doing well in such trying times. I hope things can change and get better. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. 3Kingdoms (talk) 05:02, 18 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Thank you for sharing this, and really sad to hear about it. Wish you a lot of love to share with your loved ones, and faith and peace of mind. May springtime be nice and wonderfull! Joshua Jonathan -Let's talk! 03:11, 19 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Came here to see if there were any updates, so sad when I realised what it was. Hoping for the best in whatever time remains and that whatever you decide to do comes true. My thoughts are with you and your family. Nil Einne (talk) 18:28, 19 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • :( ~~ AirshipJungleman29 (talk) 19:00, 19 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Doug, I waited way too long to finish writing this. You were one of the first admins I ever ran into on here, and an absolute paragon of what an admin should be. How much you care about this site and the time you've spent on it, has been an absolute blessing. And nothing can ever take that away from you. I am so honored to have been able to see you do that work, and hope many of us around here are able to take it forward. When I see a page that you were "watching over" (e.g. the only person (or one of few) responding to POV edit requests, keeping the article in good condition, etc.) I've been adding it to my watchlist. I hope others will do the same. I'm also so blown away by the poise and grace you're showing here, and in this announcement. Nothing about this is easy, I cannot even imagine how hard it is to think about or to write. And I just hope I can even approach that level of peace or grace if I get this sort of news. Thank you for everything you do around here, and thank you for continuing to be just an all around good guy. — Shibbolethink (♔ ♕) 15:46, 21 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Doug, I am so saddened to read this. I do hope that whatever may come, you have a strong support network of family and friends to guide you. You and yours are in my thoughts. RickinBaltimore (talk) 15:49, 21 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Sorry to hear what was inflicted you Doug, I hope you spend the rest of your time easy. Noorullah (talk) 08:59, 24 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • God bless, Doug. Praying for you. Thank you for being one of the bright lights on Wikipedia. If there is anything we or I can do, let us or me know. Love ya. Softlavender (talk) 02:12, 28 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Doug, every single time I've seen your name it has been good. Thank you for your gracious and wise work for Wikipedia. Holding you in the Light, Clayoquot (talk | contribs) 18:07, 1 March 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Doug, I stand in awe at all the work you've done. Above all, know that we all here care deeply for your wellbeing, and couldn't be any more grateful to have shared this space with you. A big hug to you and your wife as you go through this, and I dearly hope that your departure will be on your own terms, with dignity. But in the meantime, as Mathglot said, please put yourself first. You more than deserve it. DFlhb (talk) 20:10, 1 March 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Glad to see you are still editing! Appreciate all the work you have done here. Hoping for the best. utcursch | talk 19:51, 8 March 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Hello Doug. I am so sorry to hear that. Wish you all the bests. Sincerely, Hamid Hassani (talk) 17:18, 2 April 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Know that you are truly one of the great and good editors here; I have immensely appreciated your contributions. Wish the very best to you and your family, Huldra (talk) 23:48, 2 April 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Oh, Doug. You have given me the gift of knowing that this project really is a worthwhile endeavor, since it is clearly in the hands of some of the most incredible people, that I have never actually met in person (that I would have liked to, if at all possible). If it has to be about goodbye, well, then let it be among the very longest, and most painless, goodbyes that have ever occurred to anyone. Your admiring fan, StonyBrook babble 21:49, 28 April 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • I've only read this a few days ago along with all the excellent comments. Doug, I too noticed your excellent work on WP long before I finally created my account. Traces of your contributions seemed to be everywhere. At a moment when I had more time to dedicate to WP and finally heeded the recommendation of another editor to create an account, I think that you were the first administrator I visited to announce it. I'm less active here these days, but will never forget the joy of participating a bit with you on this project. Several comments above express better whatever more I could say. I'll still emphasise a point several of them make, about the importance of quality living, and the thanks for all that you've done here. I'm also glad that you allowed us the opportunity to share this: unfortunately there are editors I only could thank after they were gone. You're also one of those I sometimes check for recent activity and it's always a "yay" moment to see recent contributions. —PaleoNeonate – 13:03, 24 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Just learned, incredibly sorry to hear this. I appreciate you. Bruxton (talk) 16:48, 8 June 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Stay strong. We are all lucky to have you around, and we're all better for it, too. JoJo Anthrax (talk) 16:37, 11 January 2024 (UTC)[reply]

I’m lucky, the 30% chance chemo would work includes me!

As straight continuous chemo would impact my quality of life, I’m having a two month break, will be reassessed then. I want to keep up my 5 km a day on the treadmill! And going out occasionally with my wife on dog walks. Doug Weller talk 17:56, 25 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]

And I might see who wins the next US presidential election! If I'm lucky. Doug Weller talk 18:11, 25 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Best wishes DW!! I hope the chemo goes well and I hope you revel in the walks - even the ones on the treadmill :-) MarnetteD|Talk 18:19, 25 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Doctors have to play safe and give the worst case scenario. If you really want to see who the next president is, you probably will (though the shock might send you into regression!) My wife has leukaemia and found the chemo was so interfering with her quality of life that she gave it up. That was four years ago and she hasn't regretted it, despite the inevitable restriction of her life-style. Enjoy everything you can with gratitude. Sweetpool50 (talk) 18:58, 25 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]
I am hoping for continued successes, Doug. You are an amazingly strong person and I appreciate you more every day. You inspire others which is an incredible gift. Keep walking the treadmill and going out with the wife and dog. Keep exploring life and paying attention to all the details around you. That has helped me through many, many difficult days. You are truly a Rainbow of vibrant colors and you leave everyone in awe at the beauty of your LifeSong. Bless you, my friend. --ARoseWolf 19:07, 25 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Best of luck Doug. It's great to see that you are keeping strong. Dudley Miles (talk) 19:29, 25 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]
5k a day on the treadmill! What an inspiration! My wife complains that I spend far too much time on the couch reading, but really snoozing with the cat. This is the kick in the pants I need. Thank you Fowler&fowler«Talk» 20:30, 25 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Someone has to beat the odds! Otherwise, there wouldn't be any. - Donald Albury 20:32, 25 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Per Donald Albury. That news has made my day, no, my cold rainy Italian spring suddenly lighten with joy. Hang in there, Doug.Nishidani (talk) 20:41, 25 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Great news! Keep going, but don't strain yourself is my advice. All the best, Johnbod (talk) 21:24, 25 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Yes, that's wonderful news! And if I'm lucky, the upcoming election won't send me into fits. --Tryptofish (talk) 21:47, 25 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Great to hear. 5 km a day on the treadmill is impressive, that will is what keeps you going.;-) All the best, Carlstak (talk) 01:34, 26 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]
This is mad inspiration for how to persevere through whatever life throws our way. StonyBrook babble 02:59, 30 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Your daily 5K is an inspiration! I feel positively lazy in comparison. All good wishes, Softlavender (talk) 03:25, 26 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]
good karma Andre🚐 04:02, 26 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Great to hear this, bonne santé Ymblanter (talk) 20:48, 26 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Checking my watching after a couple of days and this section makes it all worthwhile; an oasis amidst the muck and bramble. Keep up whatever you are doing, Doug! Abecedare (talk) 21:01, 26 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Strength and power to you, Doug! Generalrelative (talk) 21:06, 26 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]
A clover for you 🍀 – CactiStaccingCrane (talk) 06:14, 27 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]
I too enjoy my 6/10,000 steps a day. Always thinking of you. Best regards, David, David J Johnson (talk) 16:21, 28 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]

Best wishes! Volunteer Marek 18:18, 28 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]

Great news indeed! Best wishes, Doug Weller. You will definitely see who wins the next US presidential election! You are an inspiration; in fact, 5km a day inspired me as well! Ekdalian (talk) 06:05, 29 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Over the Moon for you..―Buster7 ☎ 05:10, 30 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]
May songs
my story 30 May
Doug, you are an inspiration, and perhaps you - and your wife - like the music of our 6 May concert, Misatango and Te Deum, that we found inspiring. I received the link to the YouTube video last night - too tired to share then. I put it there and on my talk page.--Gerda Arendt (talk) 06:41, 31 May 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Doug, assuming that the next US president will be elected in 2028, I really hope that you will see it. Your walking and your editing are an inspiration. Rsk6400 (talk) 10:07, 1 June 2023 (UTC)[reply]
@Rsk6400 You might like this YouTube video: [1] - lyrics below the video. Doug Weller talk 17:28, 8 June 2023 (UTC)[reply]
user:Rsk6400 not sure why the above didn't work. Doug Weller talk 17:30, 8 June 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Another instance of keyboard ruining (see JMF's comment below) ! How did you know that "American Pie" is a favourite of mine ? Rsk6400 (talk) 06:07, 9 June 2023 (UTC)[reply]
@Rsk6400: The odds seem pretty good, but I didn't know it was. I see from the article on it that McLean finally explained the song, debunking some popular ideas. Doug Weller talk 07:41, 9 June 2023 (UTC)[reply]
I am constantly amazed at what medicine can acheive. But even more amazed by what individuals like you who will fight to bring about the best possible outcomes can do. This is wonderful news, and I wish you the absolute best. - Bilby (talk) 10:24, 1 June 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Just hearing about this now. Strength and healing go with you - keep kicking cancer's butt. Much love to you - Alison talk 18:20, 14 July 2023 (UTC)[reply]
That's awesome! I hope you are doing as well as can be! EvergreenFir (talk) 18:23, 14 July 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Thanks all. Still ok, doing 5k a day on my treadmill. Went out to eat with my daughter to a Vietnamese restaurant in Nottingham, lovely soft shelled crab. I’m guessing I’ll be starting chemo again next month. Doug Weller talk 19:38, 14 July 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Good to hear, Doug! --Kansas Bear (talk) 20:03, 14 July 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Good news. Stay positive and strong. --Mann Mann (talk) 03:20, 17 July 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Hi Doug, this is good news. I've always respected your work as an admin and an editor, and your ability to inject good humour to cool down hot discussions. Best wishes. Mr Serjeant Buzfuz (talk) 22:49, 4 August 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Best wishes, Doug! Sincerely, sam z. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2607:FB91:1C78:896C:D14:E4BD:6832:BFD4 (talk) 03:08, 21 September 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Even tho we haven't had many interactions, your contributions, compassion and commitment have truly served as one of the guiding beacons in helping me become a better editor. :) By the looks of the above signatures, I'm seeing this quiet late but I hope things have gotten better since then! Sending my thoughts and prayers to you and yours and thanks for being a wiki-role model! Best, Dan the Animator 06:14, 27 November 2023 (UTC)[reply]
User:Dantheanimator that’s very kind. I feel stronger than I have for a long time but the cancer of course continues to grow, so three months of chemo soon. My experience wiyh it last time was good, no problems except hair loss. Doug Weller talk 18:54, 27 November 2023 (UTC)[reply]
@Doug Weller I've not been around for a few years and I've come back and am really sad to hear this. You're a good person and I'm devastated that this is what you're dealing with. Wishing you peace and light. Babakathy (talk) 19:54, 25 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
@Babakathythanks very much. I feel ok, just started another round of chemo. Nice to hear from you. Doug Weller talk 21:43, 25 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
@Doug WellerStay strong !Try alternative medicine system like ayurveda. Rajeshfadnavis (talk) 06:00, 6 April 2024 (UTC)[reply]
  • Doug, it's been almost a year since this update (apart from the small updates in your answers above); how are you doing now? Joshua Jonathan - Let's talk! 15:45, 9 April 2024 (UTC)[reply]
    Agh,it's been archived. Another round of chemo ended about 6 weeks ago, stopping the growth. Which of course has started again, so more chemo in a few months. I don't know if the side effects will get worse, butmy prognosis a couple of months ago was 18 months. I feel ok, week but then I'm old!5 k a day on treadmill. Doug Weller talk 16:41, 9 April 2024 (UTC)[reply]
    You are ever in my thoughts. Keep moving. Keep stepping. Keep walking. You are the miracle here Doug and I am thankful to see you on the project every day. Stay strong. Singing a song over you. --ARoseWolf 16:51, 9 April 2024 (UTC)[reply]

    I don't even remember how I got to your talk page, but I just want to say I wish you all the best.

    If I may ask a somewhat morbid question: how do you want Wikipedians to deal with grief when you are no longer with us? HouseBlaster (talk · he/him) 17:12, 9 April 2024 (UTC)[reply]

@Doug Weller - Keep fighting no matter what! Eat as clean as possible. Hoping and praying for the best! --Obenritter (talk) 22:12, 14 April 2024 (UTC)[reply]

Editor of the Week

Editor of the Week
Your ongoing efforts to improve the encyclopedia have not gone unnoticed: You have been selected as Editor of the Week in recognition of your career of great contributions! (courtesy of the Wikipedia Editor Retention Project)

Editor of the Week members have submitted the following nomination for Editor of the Week:

It is with great appreciation that the members of the Editor Retention Project bestow the Editor of the Week award to Doug Weller, a scholar, a gentleman and the sort of Wikipedian we all wish we could one day become. One of the truly bright lights and inspirational editors in the WP community, Doug has faced his recent health diagnosis with his usual thoughtfulness and reason. He has made massive contributions over the years, especially as an administrator, helping to make Wikipedia a more trustworthy source by rooting out misinformation and vandalism. We will never be able to measure the strife he has saved us from, because one never notices the strife which never occurs. A perfect example of his commitment to WP is his welcoming of a new editor just a few days ago. Godspeed to you, good sir. A trusted, productive and helpful editor whose talk page is filled with thanks and well wishes from fellow editors. Thank you for the example, the kindness, and the things that we will miss.

You can copy the following text to your user page to display a user box proclaiming your selection as Editor of the Week: 

{{User:UBX/EoTWBox}}

Thanks again for your efforts! ―Buster7 ☎ 21:07, 23 March 2023 (UTC)[reply]

I’m humbled and literally in tears. This means a lot to me. Without all the support I’m getting from the community I would be struggling. Doug Weller talk 21:19, 23 March 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Thank you for your dedicated service and many varied contributions in different roles to Wikipedia. Your work is greatly appreciated. isaacl (talk) 21:29, 23 March 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Well deserved! Generalrelative (talk) 21:32, 23 March 2023 (UTC)[reply]
What a good description of Doug. He's instantly recognisable in that nomination. And thank you Doug. DeCausa (talk) 21:33, 23 March 2023 (UTC)[reply]
You're a great asset to the project, Doug. You always have been. Part of your legacy is here, and it's all good. Guy (help! - typo?) 21:50, 23 March 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Doug, you will always have friends here. Never forget that. HJ Mitchell | Penny for your thoughts? 21:57, 23 March 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Well deserved! Donald Albury 00:25, 24 March 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Congratulations! Thinker78 (talk) 03:51, 24 March 2023 (UTC)[reply]
We haven't interacted much, but I wanted to add my congratulations and sincere thanks for all the work you have done and continue to do here. Editor of the Years without a doubt. Best wishes, Eddie891 Talk Work 13:24, 26 March 2023 (UTC)[reply]
March songs
my story today

thank you for what you do! - fresh flowers for you and your wife --Gerda Arendt (talk) 21:38, 31 March 2023 (UTC)[reply]

  • Agreeing with Dudley Miles' "Wikipedia is a much better place because of your contribution" - you really make a difference! Rsk6400 (talk) 19:50, 2 April 2023 (UTC)[reply]
  • Long overdue for a man who for so many of us has set the gold standard for wikipedia volunteers, and indeed for his fellow admins. And thanks to the editor of the week team for summarizing Doug's presence here so eloquently.Nishidani (talk) 08:55, 3 April 2023 (UTC)[reply]

Update on cancer

Called in for scan earlier than expected. Seems although the growth isn't much it's concerning. Offered choice between nothing for a few months to give me a better quality of life or chemo soon, the type I had first which causes neuropathy so no cold drinks, ice cream, handling all the frozen food that fills our freezers, etc. Also probably make me weary so I should spend less time on treadmill and last time the last treatment (there are 4, 1 every 3 weeks + steroid pills, knocked me out for a while. I've opted for chemo, bad as it is, just hoping it might add a few more months! Luckily I've got my diary from then which might help me. I'm feeling great right now, stronger than for a long time. But I decided doing the chemo is a good way to fight it. Doug Weller talk 12:24, 24 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]

I'm sorry to hear that. I wish you all the best in this difficult time! FortunateSons (talk) 14:40, 24 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Wow Doug, I am really sorry to read this. My best wishes to you! You’re in my thoughts. Zanahary (talk) 22:10, 24 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Thinking of you and wishing you good days ahead EvergreenFir (talk) 02:42, 25 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Your productivity and attitude continues to inspire me, Doug. Never give up. Hypnôs (talk) 00:43, 29 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
story · music · places
Best wishes for strength for you and your wife! --Gerda Arendt (talk) 15:15, 24 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
I am sorry to hear that. Keep fighting, and get the most you can out of your life. Donald Albury 15:53, 24 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
All best wishes with it! Johnbod (talk) 16:11, 24 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
All the best, Doug. Carlstak (talk) 16:58, 24 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Day by day, buddy. Best wishes as always Nishidani (talk) 17:12, 24 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Thanks for the update. I'm glad that you are keeping on fighting it, and I'm glad that you are feeling great. --Tryptofish (talk) 21:29, 24 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
I am sorry you have to go back to chemo. I hope it works. Dudley Miles (talk) 22:33, 24 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Stay strong Doug! Thank you for the update. Please keep your hands out of the ice cream, let it melt first before feasting. The very best to you, Netherzone (talk) 00:00, 25 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
@Netherzone Yes, I don't mind melted ice cream if it's good ice cream. I can just drink it or use as a sauce for cake! Doug Weller talk 13:00, 25 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
I found a variety pack of astronaut ice cream a while back for someone who loved the stuff. I'll see if I can send one to you if you tell me where to ship it. :) — Rhododendrites talk \\ 14:59, 25 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
@Rhododendrites:Thanks, but it's cheaper to get in the UK than the postage from the US! Doug Weller talk 15:57, 25 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Wishing you the best as you continue your fight, Doug! If you're feeling strong now, that's good for going into it from a high point. ButlerBlog (talk) 01:09, 25 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Best wishes Doug. Johnuniq (talk) 03:23, 25 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
I'll say now, I appreciate your time on Wikipedia. Do you have any more unfinished pages or projects? —DIYeditor (talk) 03:53, 25 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
@DIYeditor: There's User:Doug Weller/Pinxton Castle, if you don't already know about that one. --Tryptofish (talk) 22:12, 25 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Best wishes, hope everything goes well. Ymblanter (talk) 12:34, 25 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
My family to your family: we wish you well and the best of days ahead. Thanks for keeping us up on your physical struggle. We are not merely accounts here. BusterD (talk) 14:19, 25 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
$@#% cancer. Stay strong, hoping for the best you. Ravensfire (talk) 15:22, 25 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Sorry to hear this, I know how draining chemo can be. Hope for the best, stay strong. -- LCU ActivelyDisinterested «@» °∆t° 15:56, 25 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
I wish you the very best in the tough time, Doug. I hope you get well anytime soon. Vanderwaalforces (talk) 10:08, 27 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Doug, always in my thoughts. Stay strong. I have my latest scan on 7 June - always a bit of a worry. As ever, David, David J Johnson (talk) 11:28, 27 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
I'm sending you good vibes. Mason (talk) 23:00, 27 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
@David J Johnson I wish you all the best David, Please let me know the outcome, by email if you prefer. Doug Weller talk 07:08, 28 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
My best wishes for you. Gråbergs Gråa Sång (talk) 06:40, 28 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Doug, you have always personified for me everything that is good about this place. Your enthusiasm for life is addicting—an absolute inspiration. I wish you and yours all the joy in the world! You are The Wikipedian. StonyBrook babble 04:34, 29 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
You're a very strong person, Doug! I'm glad you made this choice but would have completely understood if you'd opted for the easier route. As always, you set a brilliant example for the community. Generalrelative (talk) 18:24, 30 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Hey man, I hope you get better and beat cancer! GamerKiller2347 (talk) 08:00, 1 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]
I didn’t read this until just now. Yeah, you are an absolute inspiration and a brilliant example for the community. Rsk6400 (talk) 18:41, 3 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]

Jews in Madagascar

Hi Doug, I don’t understand your content removal. What does the Nathan Devir source have to do with Mankind Quarterly? Zanahary (talk) 17:04, 25 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]

The citation, by the way, listed Le Roux as an author in error. Devir is the sole author of the cited chapter. Zanahary (talk) 17:28, 25 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
@Zanahary Ok, can you remove her from the two citations? It was someone else using Gayre and Mankind Quarterly, and it may show poor editorial oversight to use it. Doug Weller talk 17:50, 25 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Sure, I will do that now. What do you mean “it was someone else using…”? You mean the book’s editorial oversight is in question because of another chapter (by le Roux?) citing MQ? Devir has written about Malagasy Jews for a number of books, many of which reprint from this cited one, and his writing on the topic never even gets into anything dicey—it’s just ethnography/reporting from his experience among the Judaic groups of Madagascar, plus some literature review about the old European theory that Malagasy people come from Jews. I also just scanned all of his writing that I do have access to, and he never cites MQ. Zanahary (talk) 17:54, 25 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
@Zanahary Not by Le Roux but never mind. Thanks for your due diligence. Doug Weller talk 18:24, 25 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Ah, she is an editor which shows why Robert Gayre and an article of his in a racist journal is used as a source by someone, I hope to find out by who tomorrow. And why Cambridge Scholars Publishing was the best they could do. I’m no longer convinced it’s a reliable source. Doug Weller talk 18:35, 25 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
She also has an article in it. I need to look more on my pc tomorrow but I will probably take it to RSN. Doug Weller talk 18:49, 25 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
I understand your concern, but Nathan Devir is one of perhaps two or three experts on Malagasy Jewry (along with editor Edith Bruder), and his 2022 book, published by BRILL, includes excerpts from this source. I'm also pretty sure that, in le Roux's chapter (about the Lemba people), Gayre is only listed in a footnote as one of six sources relating to the earliest mention of the Lemba people, in a 12th-century Arab geographical work. I don't think there's cause for concern on this source's reliability for claims about origin myths of various Judaic Malagasy groups, especially considering it's based on Devir's own ethnography and conversations in Madagascar—but of course take a look if you'd like, and let me know about the le Roux chapter, which I'll be able to access in full myself Tuesday. Zanahary (talk) 07:14, 26 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
@Zanahary Thanks. Le Roux has been deemed unreliable at [[2]]. So whatever her use is of Gayre there, she's still unreliable.
Looking at Chapter Ten. Naming Practices among Vhalemba/Basena of South Africa Tom Sengani
page 155 includes "... Gayre of Gayre, IZimbabwe," Mankind Quarterly 5, no. 4 (1965): 212-43; and 30 31 32 33 36 41 43 44 45 46 R. Gayre of Gayre, IThe Lembas Principaliing in Naming among VhalembaYBasena of South Africa 155."
page 156 includes "... Gayre of Gayre, IThe Lembas or Vendas of Vendaland," Mankind Quarterly 8 (1967): 3-15. A. B. Spurdle and T. JenNins, IThe origins of the Lemba 'BlacN Jewsl” of southern Africa: Evidence from p12F2 and other YYChromosome MarNers ..."
But I can't see the context. Can you access that tomorrow?
I take your point about Devir, but as it's unreliably published with an unreliable editor and the rest, this casts doubt on all the chapters IMHO. Devir should have published this elsewhere but perhaps could not. Doug Weller talk 08:09, 26 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
I will take a look Tuesday, but I am certain that any work by Nathan Devir on the present-day Jews of Madagascar, which has made its way prominently into his monographs for BRILL and Utah Univesity Press, is a reliable source for claims about the things said by present-day Malagasy Judaic groups. Zanahary (talk) 14:47, 26 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
I have the book!
The first Gayre reference is a citation for a report on a Periplus’ account: According to the Periplus, the Sabaean colonies were established very early (at the beginning of the seventh century BCE) in Ethiopia.
Next is The last Himyarite king, King Dhú Nuwás, who had become Jewish, was notorious for his persecution and massacre of the Christians, which in 399 CE led to the termination of his reign and the invasion by Ethiopians on behalf of their Christian brothers. Gayre is in a note as a cf. to the cited Ben Hendrickx’s 1991 “The ancient origin of the Lemba. A critical overview of the existing theories”.
Last, Gayre’s is the fourth of five listed sources in a cf footnote, seemingly for a nomenclative translation (but I’m not sure without reading the listed sources) relating to another attributed account: In approximately 1150 CE, Idrisi records that the Senzi (Zanji people), possessors of the ngoma lungundu (“magic drum”),[here is the note anchor] were forced from their territory in the North and down into the Sena area (at the Zambezi, in the Sofala area). Zanahary (talk) 21:17, 29 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
@Zanahary Thanks for doing this. My point about Gayre is I won't trust anyone who uses him as a reference. I'm puzzled about Ben Hendrickx, his qualifications are nothing to do with the Lemba so far as I can see, he's an expert on Greek and Latin studies.[3] Ah, he publishes in the "Journal of Oriental and African Studies" which according to its website {S is an international academic organ, which claims to be an independent and pluralist review for the promotion of Asian and African studies". How many academic journals "claim" to be something? Or are a "Blog at WordPress.com"?[4]. Rhetorical question, "none" is the answer. Hardly a reliable source for the Lemba. Doug Weller talk 07:26, 30 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Since I’m not citing the le Roux source, but rather a source by the premier expert on a relatively nascent and obscure religious group in a country that is generally a black hole of information, I’m not concerned by the issues with le Roux’s scholarship as far as the article’s use of Devir is concerned. Some of the sources cited in this article are less than perfect—Malagasy news, for instance, is terribly underfunded and subject to censorship, and newspapers often shut down after a few years. The U.S. State department reports cited are also sub-ideal, given the tracelessness of their assertions. Some of the news items about the Malagasy Jewish group conversion are also pretty surface-level and careless with their treatment of the origin myths.
An in-depth academic source by an excellent scholar, even if it’s got a seriously subpar neighbor in its original book, is definitely in the green for me—but I really appreciate your raising this issue! And thank you, too, for your engagement, including looking further into le Roux’s citations. Zanahary (talk) 07:41, 30 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
@Zanahary Ok, I shouldn't be using my time this way in any case, I have my own article to write on a nearby archaeological site, and expect to be in a bit of hell for 3 months soon with my approaching chemotherapy. Doug Weller talk 07:47, 30 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Thanks again. I’m excited to read your article! A site nearby to you? Or to Madagascar?
I wish you the best of luck with chemotherapy—I know how tough that can be. Zanahary (talk) 07:50, 30 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
No, 10 minutes from where I live in Derbyshire. Went there recently to look at it, not a lot left except a moat, some fishponds and a mound. Doug Weller talk 07:54, 30 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Cultivated/ornamental fish ponds? Or just natural ponds containing fish? Zanahary (talk) 08:14, 30 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
@Zanahary They would have been used for fish they ate. No fish in them now. Site dates to the early 12rth century. Doug Weller talk 08:22, 30 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]

Talk:Haavara Agreement

Hi, this edit removed quite a lot including text by me and FeralOink (who is EC, contrary to your edit summary "Not ecu, not an edit request"). Please review it. Zerotalk 02:47, 26 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]

@Zero0000 I don't know what happened there. I know both of you are EC. I do wish people would not respond to old threads, it isn't helpful. I restored that edit, removed a disruptive IP account and response to that by a non EC editor who I will alert. Doug Weller talk 15:18, 26 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
No problem, thanks. Zerotalk 08:23, 27 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]

It says Miami

To begin, you say you are from Miami but the gif has nothing to do with Miami. May I appeal to you about GuardianH? This user (editor) is heavily removing information and can't be stopped, not to this point. I would add they are putting in the edit summary false things. Offthefield (talk) 21:34, 30 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]

@Offthefield: While Doug may interject and give a different answer, I'll drop in my 2c. First, you need to be more specific. GuardianH has a lot of edits recently and not all of them are removing content. What about those edits do you think is invalid? It's helpful if you give specifics as well as "diffs" (which you can read about here: WP:DIFF, especially the part about linking). Next, what you have done to communicate with the editor in question up to this point? I'm looking at your edit history and unless I'm overlooking something, you haven't reached out to the editor yourself via article talk or user talk pages. See WP:DISPUTE to learn about our dispute resolution process. You need to discuss issues with the editor first. ButlerBlog (talk) 21:47, 30 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
The ones I reverted recently but there are others. Yes, I know you aren't Doug. Offthefield (talk) 21:59, 30 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
I see you're a janitor or performing activities one would do. I would like Doug's opinion. Offthefield (talk) 22:10, 30 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
You are being rather dismissive of a very experienced editor. He gave you good advice. I would advise you to follow it. Donald Albury 23:04, 30 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
@Butlerblog@Donald Albury Love the way the OP starts with a claim that the flag of Miami isn't about Miami. They've been blocked for using multiple accounts and says it doesn't matter that they are using multiple accounts. Nothing to do here now. Doug Weller talk 06:31, 31 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]
I kind of thought that might be the case. Not at all surprised then with their declined unblock response. ButlerBlog (talk) 11:51, 31 May 2024 (UTC)[reply]

I mentioned you in an AE report

The thread is JDiala.

Thank you. FortunateSons (talk) 13:50, 3 June 2024 (UTC)[reply]

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